Chapter·Internal MedicineArrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmiasDownloads

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Sample Questions

1

An ECG from an 8-year-old male with neurosensory deafness and a family history of sudden cardiac arrest demonstrates QT-interval prolongation. Which of the following is this patient most at risk of developing?

AHypertrophic cardiac myopathy

BCardiac tamponade

CEssential hypertension

DTorsades de pointes

EFirst degree atrioventricular block

2

A 62-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of syncope. He reports sudden onset of palpitations followed by loss of consciousness while carrying his groceries to his car. He is unable to recall any further details and does not have any chest pain or dizziness. He has a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gastroparesis, and osteoarthritis of the knees. Medications include lisinopril, metformin, and ondansetron as needed for nausea. He also takes methadone daily for chronic pain. Apart from an abrasion on his forehead, he appears well. His temperature is 37.2 °C (98.9 F), heart rate is 104/min and regular, and blood pressure is 135/70 mm Hg. While he is in the emergency department, he loses consciousness again. Telemetry shows polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with cyclic alteration of the QRS axis that spontaneously resolves after 30 seconds. Results of a complete blood count, serum electrolyte concentrations, and serum thyroid studies show no abnormalities. Cardiac enzymes are within normal limits. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's syncope?

APrinzmetal angina

BFast accessory conduction pathway

CBrugada syndrome

DProlonged QT interval

EHypomagnesemia

3

A 29-year-old woman with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome presents to her cardiologist’s office for a follow-up visit. She collapsed at her job and made a trip to the emergency department 1 week ago. At that time, she received a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and hemodynamic instability. While in the emergency department, she underwent direct-current cardioversion to return her heart to sinus rhythm. Her current medications include procainamide. At the cardiologist’s office, her heart rate is 61/min, respiratory rate is 16/min, the temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), and blood pressure is 118/60 mm Hg. Her cardiac examination reveals a regular rhythm and a I/VI systolic ejection murmur best heard at the right upper sternal border. An ECG obtained in the clinic is shown. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment to prevent further episodes of tachyarrhythmia?

ABegin anticoagulation with dabigatran

BAdd verapamil to her medication regimen

CBegin anticoagulation with warfarin

DRefer her for electrophysiology (EP) study and ablation

ERefer her for right heart catheterization

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